CELEBRATION
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CITY OF FORT PIERCE
Linda Hudson, Fort Pierce’s mayor since 2012, and Chief Hobley-Burney
are often seen together at community events strengthening ties between the
city and its citizens.
Former Chief Baldwin credits Kerlikowske with changing
the department’s mission, moving it toward community
policing, where law enforcement partners with civilians to
address concerns and issues.
From Tedder’s perspective, the shift was worthwhile.
“For community policing to work, you first have to get
control of the high crime areas. Then you have to keep your
finger on it and monitor. You check your beat daily. Fort Pierce
works very hard to make that happen, literally walking the
neighborhoods, even when people don’t want them there.”
Community policing requires more interaction, talking to
people, finding out what matters most to them. When Kirk
started in law enforcement, he says officers didn’t routinely
wave and smile at people. “We added officers on bicycles.
We changed the uniform. The community started trusting
us more.”
Because Fort Pierce is diverse, a diverse police department
is essential.
“You have to understand the cultures,” Tedder says.
“People see things differently and you have to be mindful
of that.”
DEPARMENT OUTREACH
Today’s Community Policing Bureau is the department’s
largest division, sometimes handling 1,500 calls a week. Commanded
by Deputy Chief Kenny Norris, its stated mission
is to build a strong partnership with the community, ensur-
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FORT PIERCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Over the years, some chiefs were hired internally, while others were brought
in from other areas. R. Sean Baldwin, shown at a past event, started with
FPPD in 1990, retiring as chief in 2015.
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